
Thinking about making the move to McAllen Texas but not totally sold on living right in the heart of the city? Or maybe you’re just curious about what other spots you can explore once you’re settled in? You’re not alone! McAllen is a popular hub in the southern part of Texas state, but there are plenty of nearby cities and towns that offer their own charm, character, and potential for a place to call home.
Whether you are looking for small-town vibes, a quieter pace, or just want to know what’s within a short drive, this guide to cities near McAllen TX will give you a feel for what’s around. From hidden gems to the nearest cities with all the essentials, we’ll break down the towns near McAllen TX worth checking out – and how far they are from McAllen so you can easily compare distance and convenience. Let’s see what options you’ve got near this busy border city.
Curious about the nearest cities to McAllen Texas that will still provide you with all of the fantastic big-city amenities? Luckily, there are plenty of big cities near McAllen TX that put you just a short distance away from everything you could ever need.
Here is a list of the largest cities near McAllen TX. All of these cities have a population of over 20,000.
The family-friendly community of Pharr is one of the most popular cities near McAllen TX. The city is beautiful and safe, with crime rates that are well below both the state and national average.
It’s one of the best towns near McAllen TX for families with young children, as it boasts attractions like Aqua Planet Waterpark, Kids Wonderland, and the International Museum of Art & Science. It’s also home to the popular Rio Grande Valley College, which is a popular choice for students living in the McAllen area.
When it comes to cities near McAllen TX, you can’t skip out on San Juan. San Juan is famous for the Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle, which is one of the largest churches in South Texas. This beautiful city offers a great mix of urban and small-town vibes.
Expressway 83 runs directly through the city, providing residents with easy access to major Texas cities, while the outskirts of San Juan feature beautiful single-family homes along tree-lined streets, perfect for families looking for a peaceful lifestyle.
Mission is just 8.1 miles from McAllen Texas and is directly bordered by the city. This is one of the best cities near McAllen TX for young professionals, as the area is experiencing the same economic growth that McAllen is currently experiencing. Nearby employers include the Moore Air Force Base, Frito-Lay, and Mission Foods.
Additionally, Mission is advertised as the “Home of the Ruby Red Grapefruit,” due to the fruit being commonly grown in the area. Because of this, Mission is home to the Texas Citrus Exchange and holds the annual fun-filled Texas Citrus Fiesta Parade.
Alamo is easily one of the best cities near McAllen TX. This area is a well-known winter resort and retirement town, and 16% of the population is 65 or older. There are 6,013 households in the city, and the median household size is 3.3. This is also a popular place to live among nature lovers, as it is home to the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge, which shelters 400 bird species as well as a large butterfly population.
Alamo has a fantastic schooling system, and all Alamo residents are allowed to apply to magnet schools operated by the South Texas Independent School District.
Edinburg is the county seat of Hidalgo County and one of the best cities near McAllen TX. With a population of 105,799, it is one of the largest cities in the area and is a part of the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metropolitan area. This city is popular among college students, as it is home to the main campus of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, which enrolls around 27,000 students.
Edinburg is also full of history and is home to both the South Texas Motorcycle Museum and the Museum of South Texas History.
If you’re searching for cities near McAllen TX, make sure you check out Weslaco. This bustling town is a haven for golf lovers, as it borders both the Tierra Santa Golf Course and the Llano Grande Resort & Golf Club. This city is also a popular spot among renters, with apartment and townhome complexes like Midtown Weslaco, Avanti Legacy at Sienna Palms, and Villa Escondida Luxury Townhomes.
You’ll find plenty of places to grab a good bite to eat, including The Blue Onion for pizza, Cortino’s for Italian, and Casa De Marisco for Mexican. Downtown Weslaco is very walkable and is always full of friendly faces.
Harlingen is one of the best cities near McAllen TX and the second-largest city in Cameron County. Harlingen is home to several educational institutions, including a branch of Texas State Technical College, the University of Texas Health Science Center’s Regional Academic Health Center Medical Education Division, and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine.
With a median home price of $270,000, Harlingen is an affordable choice for homeowners in the area. Here, you’ll find mostly single-family homes with large spacious yards as well as a few condo and townhome options.
Are you looking for nearby cities that are a bit smaller than the ones we’ve listed above? Luckily, McAllen Texas has plenty of smaller options just a short drive away. All of these cities near McAllen TX have a population between 9,000 and 20,000, giving them a small-town vibe.
Hidalgo is a town full of history and is home to unique attractions like the Old Hidalgo Pumphouse Museum and World Birding Center, and the World’s Largest Killer Bee. If you head a bit west of McAllen, you’ll stumble upon Mercedes, which is a lively city home to the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets, a popular shopping destination for residents in and around the community.
This region is also home to the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Grounds, which holds fun events all year round for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. Another nearby option is Alton, which features plenty of single-family homes and a low cost of living.
These are the small cities and towns in Texas state near McAllen.
| Cities & Towns Near McAllen TX (9,000-20,000 Population) | County | Population | Distance From McAllen |
| Nurillo | Hidalgo County | 9,158 | 11.8 miles |
| Hidalgo | Hidalgo County | 14,678 | 8.4 miles |
| Donna | Hidalgo County | 15,782 | 13.9 miles |
| Mercedes | Hidalgo County | 16,732 | 22.6 miles |
| Alton | Hidalgo County | 18,198 | 10.9 miles |
Here is the full map of cities and towns near McAllen TX.
If you’re looking for cities near McAllen TX that offer a quieter, small-town feel, there are a few hidden gems worth checking out. All of these small towns have an estimated population of 6,000 or less, perfect for those who prefer a slower pace of life without being too far from the action.
Monte Alto is known for its friendly community and rural charm, while Lopezville, located just a short distance from McAllen, offers easy access to city amenities with a more laid-back vibe. Doffing is another peaceful spot not far from outdoor destinations in Willacy County, like Port Mansfield, a popular fishing and nature getaway. These cities in the Valley, Texas, may be small, but they pack in a lot of heart.
| City (Under 6,000 Population) | County | Population | Distance From McAllen |
| Monte Alto | Hidalgo County | 1,930 | 29.5 miles |
| Lopezville | Hidalgo County | 2,367 | 7.0 miles |
| Palmhurst | Hidalgo County | 2,607 | 8.9 miles |
| Citrus City | Hidalgo County | 3,291 | 19.5 miles |
| Doffing | Hidalgo County | 5,091 | 14.7 miles |
You’ll find several cities near McAllen TX that are great for a day or weekend trip. If you want to stay close to McAllen Texas, you can check out other Texas cities like Austin or San Antonio. For even more cities, consider heading out of state to places like Little Rock or Albuquerque. Most of these destinations have airports, so you can make the journey even faster by flying. Or, load up the car and head out on a fun road trip!

Looking for major cities in and around Texas state? These are the biggest cities close to McAllen Texas with a population of over 200,000.
| City | Population | Distance From McAllen |
| San Antonio TX | 1.495 million | 239 miles |
| Austin TX | 979,882 | 313 miles |
| Houston TX | 2.314 million | 348 miles |
| Dallas TX | 1.303 million | 507 miles |
| New Orleans LA | 364,136 | 694 miles |
| Oklahoma City OK | 702,767 | 700 miles |
| Little Rock AK | 203,842 | 799 miles |
| Albuquerque NM | 560,274 | 949 miles |
| Memphis TN | 618,639 | 959 miles |
Out of all the cities near McAllen TX, Pharr is the closest, and is only 2.1 miles away from the McAllen city center.
A few major cities near McAllen TX include Houston, Austin, Dallas, and New Orleans.
Cities and towns near McAllen TX that are within a 30-minute drive include Pharr, San Juan, Mission, Alamo, Lopezville, Palmhurst, and Hidalgo.
Any one of these cities near McAllen TX would be a great place to settle down! Now that you’ve explored all the towns near McAllen TX, it’s time to make your decision! Whether you’re relocating to McAllen Texas or one of these nearby communities, Chapa’s Moving Service is here to help you!
Our Rio Grande Valley movers will get your belongings to your new home in no time, getting you completely settled in as fast as possible. To get started with a free quote, call our team today at (956) 686-3247.